Definition: And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David. And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword: and Judah [was] four hundred threescore and ten thousand men that drew sword.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from 1 Chronicles 21:5 together. It's a really important and somewhat sobering verse about the Israelites during the time of King David. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes the sheer size of the Israeli army that fought against the Philistines at the time. It’s saying they were massive – far larger than any army they had before. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people unto David.” - This is a key part. Joab, a prominent leader, was responsible for collecting and counting all the Israelites who were involved in the battle. It’s like saying “The total number of soldiers” “And all [they of] Israel were a thousand thousand and an hundred thousand men that drew sword.” - This is the big part! It states that all the Israelites – every single person – were participating in fighting. "They" refers to the entire population of Israel, not just the soldiers. “A thousand thousand” means a huge number - think about how many people live in the whole country! "An hundred thousand" is also a massive number. It's essentially saying that the entire Israeli population was involved in war. What does this tell us? It was a large and intense conflict: This verse paints a picture of a very significant, drawn-out battle. It wasn’t just a small skirmish; it was a full-scale military campaign. The Israelites were heavily involved: The sheer numbers emphasize how deeply embedded the conflict was in the lives of many people. It suggests that the entire nation was participating. It highlights David's leadership: Joab’s role is significant because he’s managing and counting this enormous force. This verse connects to the story of David and his kingdom - it shows the power and importance of his leadership during a critical time. Important Note: This passage isn't about who was fighting, but how many . It emphasizes the scale of the conflict and the significant involvement of the entire Israelite population. It’s a reminder that the Israelites were deeply involved in warfare at this point in history. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to other Bible stories or themes (like David's reign)? Give you some historical context about the time period?